John Isner

If the highest-ranked American man wanted to, he’d have plenty of material in order to prepare for the task he faces Saturday: facing 22nd-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany in the third round of the U.S. Open.

Gone is the Golden Era of American tennis. Every year, the names Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert seem to fade further in our country’s tennis consciousness.

Next week, for the first time in 40 years of ATP rankings, there will be no American men in the top 20. That’s because John Isner, who is 20th this week, is assured of dropping lower after losing Tuesday.

The four-time Grand Slam champion lost to 18-year-old Laura Robson of Britain in the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday, and will head into retirement after she finishes playing in doubles at Flushing Meadows.